Federal Aerospace Institute

Industry Facts

Industry Outlook 2022/2023

The rapid growth of the Aerospace Industry coupled with the number of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians retiring or reaching retirement age has created a huge gap and need for Maintenance Technicians. In February of 2020, The United Stated Governmental Accountability Office reported that based on FAA Data the median age of FAA-certificated mechanics and repairmen was 54 years old. Specifically, 52% were between the ages of 50 and 70 years old; 19% were between 39 and 49; and 19% were between 18 and 38.

About 30% of the current rank of aircraft technicians are at or near retirement age and are retiring faster than they’re being replaced. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aerospace industry skilled trades gap is larger than any other trade and is growing at a rate of 5% per year. This translates into an urgent need for A & P certified aircraft technicians and immediate job placement opportunities upon certification.

Federal Aerospace Institute
Excerpts from a recent post on AVWEB.com stated: “In its recently released 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook, Boeing forecasts a need for 610,000 new aviation maintenance technicians between 2022 to 2041.

Incentives for obtaining A & P certification

With the extreme need for Aircraft Technicians, starting salaries often exceed $60,000 per year.  Benefits may include signing bonuses, paid vacation, paid sick time, health benefits, pension plan, location flexibility, re-location assistance, flight perks and privileges, tuition negotiation and reimbursement, immediate job placement, opportunities for advancement, and long-term employment stability. Obtaining your A & P certification opens the door to a vast variety of employment opportunities, including non-aviation opportunities in renewable energy, amusement parks, mass transit, and auto racing.